ILOILO City – In this city’s annual search for “timeless beauty (and) exceptional heart”, a 20-year-old lass stood out and won the crown.

Among 15 “princesses” vying for the title Miss Iloilo Dinagyang Carnival Queen, Maria Mikhaella Incensario, “Princess of Miagao”, won the judges’ hearts in a long and dragging coronation night that started at 9 p.m. and ended at almost 2 a.m.

The nearly five-our event was held for the first time outside Casa de Emperador at the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao district and hosted by celebrities Ryan Agoncillo, Isabelle Daza and Pia Guanio.

In the question and answer portion, the candidates were asked how they could help vulnerable communities of women and children – an advocacy of the yearly search.

“I have lived in Iloilo almost my whole life, a place of rich culture and heritage. If I were to win Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2019, I will promote its rich culture and heritage to tourists and entrepreneurs but also focusing on our locals. I will encourage households to support local community projects that benefit our women, children and also our men,” Incensario said.